保たもつ

た

も

つ

Common wordJLPTN1Freq.FrequencyTop 5,000

保つ · godan verb (-tsu)

Meanings

Transitive: actively keep something in a certain state, preserve it, or maintain it over time. Often used with abstract nouns like 健康, 秩序, 関係.

Related words· 7

維い持じN2sense 1
維持する is more formal and typically used for systems, institutions, or abstract conditions, while 保つ is the everyday word for keeping something in a state.
保ほ存ぞんN3sense 1
保存する focuses on storing or preserving something as-is (often for later use), whereas 保つ stresses ongoing effort to maintain a state.
持じ続ぞくN1sense 2
持続する emphasizes something continuing or persisting over time, while 保つ emphasizes actively keeping a state unchanged.
キープN1
保つ is a native Japanese verb for keeping a condition steady, whereas キープする is used in more casual, sporty, or businesslike contexts.

Show 3 more

持もつN5
保つ specifically means to preserve a state, balance, or condition, whereas 持つ only takes on that 'maintain' sense with certain nouns like 連絡 or 関係.
支ささえるN3
保つ means to maintain or keep a state as it is, whereas 支える implies actively holding something up or sustaining it against pressure.
つなぐN3
保つ is a purely abstract word for maintaining a state or condition, while 繋ぐ keeps the imagery of a link when used for relationships or traditions.

Opposites

崩くずれるN3sense 1
保つ means a state (like order or balance) is kept intact, while 崩れる means that state collapses or falls apart.
痛いたむN2sense 2
保つ (of food or goods) means it stays in good condition, while 傷む means it spoils or deteriorates.
絶たやす
保つ means 'to maintain/keep going', the opposite of 絶やす which means to let something run out or die.

Don't confuse with

持もつN5
持つ (もつ) means 'to hold or possess' physically, while 保つ (たもつ) means to maintain a state or condition over time, and the two are easily confused because of their similar kanji.
保ほする
保つ means to maintain or keep a state, while 保する means to guarantee or secure something, despite sharing the kanji 保.